NBA official on Hornets: ‘Emphasis is the long-term viability’

Fans of the New Orleans Hornets are struggling to meet attendance requirements this month that would prevent the team from opting out of its lease at New Orleans Arena, but even if the goals are met, the NBA is more worried about the franchise’s long-term prospects in the Big Easy.

Reid reports that the league will closely monitor season-ticket renewals and ticket sales for next season. The NBA took control of the franchise in November.

Commissioner David Stern has said he prefers to keep the Hornets in New Orleans, but he will put a priority on strong ownership as the league seeks a potential buyer.

Oracle CEO Larry Ellison offered $350 million for the team, but the NBA rejected the offer and took control of the franchise for George Shinn.

The Hornets needed to average 14,915 fans in the five home games starting last Wednesday. The attendance for that game was 13,688. Monday, the Hornets host the Orlando Magic, a marquee opponent that supporters hope will draw a larger crowd.

In the meantime, the league will continue to monitor the long-term health of the team.

“The numbers are what they are and we’ll see,” Silver said. “I know there is a concerted effort to put people in the seats in New Orleans. Whatever the math is that’s what we’ll be in terms of the benchmark.”